Despite Rising Cases... Why Is Europe Boldly Lifting 'Quarantine Restrictions' Unlike Han?

Denmark has decided to no longer mandate mask-wearing. Citizens are seen removing their masks at a fish market in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Amid the increase in COVID-19 cases, Norway has lifted most of its quarantine policies following Denmark in Northern Europe.

On the 1st (local time), according to The New York Times and others, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a press conference and announced that "we have finally reached the point where we can abolish the quarantine policies that have been with us this winter," and declared the easing of COVID-19 quarantine measures.

Although cases have surged recently, mainly due to the Omicron variant, the hospitalization rate of severe patients has actually decreased compared to before, leading to the decision to coexist with the Omicron variant.

On the 1st (local time), Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, held a press conference and announced the easing of COVID-19 quarantine measures.

Prime Minister Støre emphasized, "The number of confirmed cases has increased significantly, but the number of hospitalized patients has decreased. Vaccines are providing protection," and added, "Even if the number of infections rises, many quarantine policies can be eased."

With this announcement, most of Norway's quarantine measures were relaxed. Previously, alcohol sales at pubs were restricted until 11 p.m., and restaurant operating hours were limited, but these restrictions have been lifted.

The mandatory work-from-home order was also lifted, and the limit of 10 visitors for home visits was removed. Sports stadiums can now be filled to full capacity without restrictions.

Travelers entering Norway no longer need to undergo COVID-19 testing. Close contacts of confirmed cases must take daily COVID-19 tests for five days after exposure but are not required to quarantine.

However, some quarantine rules remain. Social distancing of at least 1 meter must be maintained, and masks are still mandatory on public transportation and in stores.

Prime Minister Støre stated, "We do not yet know if the pandemic is beginning to end," leaving open the possibility that quarantine policies could be strengthened again.

Earlier, Denmark, a neighboring European country to Norway, became the first of the 27 European Union (EU) member states to completely lift COVID-19 quarantine policies.

Although COVID-19 is still spreading rapidly, the Danish government explained that the high vaccination rate and the lack of significant burden on the healthcare system justified this decision.

Accordingly, Denmark decided to no longer mandate mask-wearing. Nightclubs will also reopen. Whether to require a health pass for facility use is left to the discretion of individual stores and businesses.

In addition, Austria has been gradually lifting quarantine measures since the 31st of last month following the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. The UK, the Netherlands, and others have also eased most of their quarantine policies.